This Week's Women's Sports Recap
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Parity athlete Aurora Straus makes winning return to Radical Cup North America.
Aurora Straus enjoyed a sensational return to Radical Cup North America by claiming victory in the Pro 1340 class at Sebring International Raceway.
Driving for Primal Racing, Straus qualified in sixth before a remarkable comeback drive in race one saw Aurora finish in second, before inheriting victory following a post-race penalty for a rival. In race two, Straus enjoyed more close battles on her way to a third-place result to once again stand on the podium.
Straus returned to Radical Cup North America after making history in the championship back in 2022 as she became the first female driver to claim a race victory. After further appearances in the series during 2023, Aurora returned for a full-time championship challenge in the Pro 1340 class in 2025. Driving for Primal Racing, the talented American driver was aiming to contend for podium finishes from the outset.
Oklahoma softball program reports 37% revenue surge
The No. 1-ranked Oklahoma softball program reported $4.1 million in revenue for 2024, a 37% jump from 2023.
The surge helped softball surpass women's basketball as the top revenue-generating women's sport at Oklahoma, trailing only men's basketball and football as the biggest money-making program at the school.
The revenue growth was driven largely by a jump in ticket sales, as the school opened a new softball-specific stadium and practice facility, Love's Field, at the start of the 2024 season.
According to documents obtained by ESPN, ticket sales for 2024 were $2.7 million -- 80% higher than $1.5 million the year before. Ticket sales were less than $1 million in 2022. Investing in facilities can generate significant returns, according to some former players.
SponsorUnited shares data on increased sponsor spend in women’s sports.
Last week, sports sponsorship insights platform SponsorUnited released its Women in Sports Marketing Partnerships 2024–2025 report. The report analyzed sponsorships and endorsements from athletes and teams across the NWSL, WNBA, WTA, LPGA, Liga MX Femenil, and NCAA.
While there's been a record amount of revenue in men's sports sponsorship this year, sponsorship deals in women’s sports grew at a higher rate than men’s sports: 12% vs. 8%, respectively YoY. Women’s sports may have a different starting point, but this report indicates the women’s game is quickly covering ground. Let’s dive in.
?? Financial services, alcohol, and healthcare represented the top three industries investing in women’s sports, with the alcohol category seeing the largest growth in deals. Feeling the buzz.
?? The NWSL saw the largest YoY growth in percentage of sponsorship deals (19%), with the WNBA behind by less than a percentage point and the LPGA also seeing major gains (14%).
?? WNBA players claimed six of the top 10 spots for pro athlete endorsements, led by Cameron Brink (31) and followed by Angel Reese (25) and Kamilla Cardoso (20).
Clemson's Brie Clark becomes first collegiate gymnast to complete Biles I on floor.
More than six months removed from the 2024 Paris Olympics, Simone Biles' influence on the sport of gymnastics continues to grow. On Friday, Clemson's Brie Clark became the first NCAA gymnast to land the Biles I — one of five moves named for Biles.
Clark landed the element, a double layout with a half twist, during the final rotation of Clemson's home meet Friday night. The Tigers won the meet, outscoring University of New Hampshire and Texas Woman's University.
Clark becomes just the fifth woman to successfully land the Biles I, joining USA's Trinity Thomas, Panama's Hillary Heron and USA's London Phillips, along with Biles herself.
Clark earned a 9.800 for Friday's routine. The redshirt junior stepped out of bounds as she attempted the Biles I, earning a 0.1 deduction. (Unlike in the Olympics, collegiate gymnastics does not add additional value for difficulty.) In addition to her floor performance, Clark put up a 9.875 on beam, marking the team's best performance in that rotation.
Serena Williams becomes part-owner of the expansion WNBA franchise Toronto Tempo.
Tennis legend Serena Williams is adding a new title to her illustrious portfolio: WNBA team owner.
The WNBA’s Toronto Tempo, an expansion franchise that will begin play in 2026, announced Monday that the 23-time grand slam champion is the newest part of the team’s ownership group. She joined an ownership group that is led by Larry Tanenbaum, the chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures.
“I am thrilled to announce my ownership role in the first Canadian WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo,” Williams said in a statement. “This moment is not just about basketball; it is about showcasing the true value and potential of female athletes — I have always said that women’s sports are an incredible investment opportunity. I am excited to partner with Larry and all of Canada in creating this new WNBA franchise and legacy.”
As a part of her role in the new Toronto organization, Williams will be involved in future jersey designs and merchandise collaborations. She studied design early in her career and has long been a fixture on the fashion scene throughout her storied career.